ROKAF Black Eagles in UK

0

0

The Korean Black Eagles have been awarded the Boeing Trophy for best display at the 17th Waddington International Air Show, on July 1.Visitor numbers for Waddington International Air Show have been confirmed at 125,000 with 92 aircraft on show from 18 different countries.

The Republic of Korea Air Force Aerobatic Team stood out against international performers such as the Italian Frecce Tricolori and the Saudi Hawks.It is the first time the Black Eagles have performed in the West and they chose Waddington after being inspired by the Red Arrows.First Lieutenant, Rin Shin, said: "One of the motives of the whole team is the Red Arrows and the UK is the home of the Red Arrows so they really wanted to come here and display in front of the British citizens and that's why the first pick was to come to England."They had a great time last week watching the Red Arrows play and have really enjoyed their stay, especially the reaction from the crowd."When I told them we won the Boeing Trophy they thought I was joking, they couldn't believe it, it was glorious."We would love to come back next year, the pilots would definitely like to come back."The show also had another interesting guest with Prince Edward, the Earl of Wessex flying into Waddington yesterday.After enjoying some of the show from the VIP tent, he visited the main exhibition hangar to speak to RAF personnel and members of the public.The air show is important to Prince Edward as he was made Honorary Air Commodore for Royal Air Force Waddington in 2008.This year's event took on an air of remembrance as the first day coincided with Armed Forces Day just days after a new memorial was unveiled in London for lost servicemen from Bomber Command.Crowds were asked to watch the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight in silence on Saturday in remembrance for the 55,573 servicemen who lost their lives in Bomber Command during World War II.The Red Arrows paid tribute with a special formation called Vixen. The RAF Acrobatic Team also performed their special phoenix formation to remember the tragic loss of Flt Lt Jon Egging and Flt Lt Sean Cunningham last year.The aim of the show is to raise awareness for the RAF and it has raised almost Â£3 million for charity since 1995.